Post finale – What happens after that last moment in the casino?

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

"I'm all in," he hears her say. But he can only stare now, trying to comprehend if this is all real. She looks back up at him, her eyes seeking out his. His face remains frozen. And Blair drops her gaze.

They sat like that for a while, neither one moving or saying anything. And then she feels it. His fingers wrap softly around her clenched hand and she sharply sucks in air. His thumb begins to trace soft patterns across the top of her hand, rubbing soothing circles. He grasps her hand then, bringing it to his lips. She squeezes his hand tightly when she feels his lips against her skin. She feels like she is on fire.

"Oh Chuck," she whispers when their eyes finally meet. He leans in, bringing his lips inches away from hers. But he doesn't close the distance. Instead, he closes his eyes and concentrates on the feel of her warm breath blowing in and out.

He opens his eyes and looks. Her eyes are closed, her lips parted ever so slightly. But what makes his breath catch is that both of her hands now grasp his one hand. She holds on tightly to him and he can't help but touch her lips with his free hand. He traces the outline of her mouth with his finger, watching as she slowly opens her eyes.

"Blair," he says quietly. She looks up in question, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.

"Yea?" she whispers back.

"I want to kiss you." She breathes out in relief. "But not here." He squeezes her hands. "I want to make this first kiss special." She smiles.

"It's not exactly our first kiss Chuck," she says. But she understands. He wants their fresh start to be exactly that: fresh and beautiful.

"Do you want to go for a walk?" Chuck asks. She nods and they stand up, hands still clutching each other. Blair moves closer to his body, minimizing the space between them.

Monaco night life was busy. Late night parties and dinners still busily occurring. But Chuck managed to find a quiet area overlooking the water. Sitting on the stone wall, the two watched the yachts in the harbor and the softly splashing waves against the shore.

"I'm glad you came," he says finally.

"I meant it Chuck. I'm going to fight for you this time." She looks at his profile. "I love you." He nods. "You said it wasn't enough anymore. Did you mean that?" She glances away, worried that he would reject her again, like she had him so many times.

Her answer came fast however. His lips found hers, softly prying deep into her mouth. He cupped her face, bringing their mouths even closer. Her hand circled his neck, fingers rubbing gently against the back of his neck.

"We have a lot to talk about," he said, pulling away from her mouth. She nodded, at a loss for words. She could feel her heart pounding relentlessly in her chest.

"Maybe we could start with lunch tomorrow?" she asked.

"That sounds wonderful," he said.

"Ok." They sat in silence a little while longer, hands still entwined tightly.

"I should go," Blair said. "I'll see you tomorrow?" He nodded. And then pressed a light kiss against her lips.

"Goodnight," he whispered against her lips. "I love you."

"Goodnight Chuck," she whispered back. "I love you. More than anything." She pressed her hand to his chest, feeling for his heart. And then gently pulled away.

This was a new beginning.